Cranial Osteopathy

Philosophy: The Primary Respiratory Mechanism

In his own unique and very elegant
style, Dr. Sutherland had identified the same self-healing mechanism
discovered by Dr. Still. He named this collection of findings the
Primary Respiratory Mechanism:

Primary
- It is a system that comes “first.” It underlies all of life's
processes and gives dynamism, form and substance to all of anatomy and
physiology, driving all functions of the body.

Respiratory
- It is the spark that gives rise to the breath as it moves through the
tissues. It is the foundation of metabolism. It enables the exchange of
gases and other substances between cells and compartments of the body.

Mechanism
- It manifests as a specific motion of the body, a system composed of
many parts that work together to create a whole, greater than the sum of
the parts.

This Primary Respiratory Mechanism has five basic components:

1. The fluctuation
of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes and nourishes the brain and
spinal cord, and the Potency of the Tide.

2. The inherent rhythmic mobility of the brain and spinal cord.

3. The shifting
tensions of the membranous envelope (dura mater) surrounding the brain,
cranial bones and spinal cord. This entire membranous structure acts as a
unit and is called a “Reciprocal Tension Membrane.”

4. The inherent rhythmic motility of the cranial bones.

5. The involuntary motion of the sacrum (tailbone) between the ilia (hip bones).

As the lungs breathe and the heart beats
with a rhythmic alternating expansion and contraction, the central
nervous system (CNS) also has its own involuntary rhythmic motion. Dr.
Sutherland described this inherent activity of the CNS as a respiratory
motion with “inhalation” and “exhalation” phases. The hands of a skilled
osteopathic physician connect directly with the primary respiratory
mechanism to bring about a therapeutic response. Primary respiration is
the guiding principle; it is the inherent intelligence within. This
Primary Respiratory Motion actually expresses itself through every cell
of the body, influencing all body functions. Physicians trained in
Cranial Osteopathy can place their hands on any part of the patient to
perceive and influence this important mechanism.

Cranial Osteopathy is the study of
anatomy and physiology of the cranium and its inter-relationship with
the body as a whole. It may be applied for the prevention and treatment
of disease and enhancement of health, within the practice of the science
of osteopathy.